COMPETITIVE PROGRAM The competitive program is structured to follow the Long Term Athletic Development Model towards personal excellence and higher performance. This ensures that every child is on a path that progressively develops skills, speed, strength and fitness as well as the character traits that help make one successful.

The Brantford Aquatic Club offers training and practice groups for swimmers of all ages and ability levels. It is the goal of BAC to offer age specific training for all of our athletes geared towards challenging each individual and developing each individual to the best of THEIR abilities.

Please call us at 519-752-5051, orClick Hereto send us an email request for more information.

NOTE: All decisions made on squad move ups are made by the swimmers current coach and the coach of the above squad. These decisions are based upon history in training and competition. Ultimately it is the coach who decides if the swimmer moves up to the next squad.

Squad 1

This is the first of our competitive squads. Swimmers in this group will be taught the competitive fundamentals of swimming. The group practices 4 times a week at the Gretzky Centre. There is no attendance requirement and it is not compulsory that they attend swim meets; however, it is strongly encouraged to do both. We feel consistent practice helps the swimmers improve quicker and competing in meets helps evaluate the swimmers progress as well as make friends, which makes it more fun. We recommend one meet approximately every 4-6 weeks.

Swimmers in Squad 2 continue to learn the fundamentals as well as learn to train. It is important in the long term athletic model that swimmers acquire the ability to learn how to train and continue the development of technical skills. There is no attendance requirement and it is not compulsory that they attend swim meets; however, it is strongly encouraged to do both. We feel consistent practice helps the swimmers improve quicker and competing in meets helps evaluate the swimmers progress as well as make friends, which makes it more fun. We recommend one meet every 4 to 6 weeks.

Swimmers in Squad 3 are in the train to train stage of their development. Emphasis is on an aerobic base as well as development in all four strokes. There is no attendance requirement for this group however swimmers considered for promotion to Squad 4 must demonstrate they can handle their current workload of Squad 3.

Squad 3 goals:

10 x 100 Kick on 2:00

Begin to actively improve distance per stroke

Learn leadership skills

Continue to develop goal setting skills

Attendance at training to required level as directed by the squad coach

A positive approach and attitude in training sessions must be shown in Squad 3

The training program within the Age Group Development group gears swimmers for the next step towards senior swimming, while developing life long transferable skills. Swimmers choosing to pursue Senior Development will demonstrate a consistent commitment towards the goals of the group. Swimmers looking to continue outside commitments and endeavors, yet enjoy being a part of a team, will also work towards the goals of the group.

Training in this squad gears towards preparation for competition, however, this does not mean specializing in any one stroke or event.

Swimmers are encouraged to attend all the scheduled practices and competitions assigned to them by the coach, as skills and progressions build from one practice and competition to another.

Age Group Development goals:

Swimmer is learning to take responsibility for attendance and performance, work habits in practice and how these three relate to meet performance.

Swimmers will learn to actively monitor and improve their stroke technique.

Swimmer is able to accept responsibility, accountability, and independence for results in competition

Swimmer knows how to live a balanced lifestyle, school, family, social, swimming.

Swimmer knows how to effectively communicate their commitment level to their parents, coach and teammates.

The Senior Development program is structured for success at the national and international level of competition. Senior Development swimmers are expected to be hard-working examples not only for the BAC program, but also for the Western Region, Province of Ontario and Canadian Swimming as a whole. The BAC Senior Development athlete’s actions and goals reflect the vision of Swimming Canada: Swimming to Win, Winning for Life.

Senior Development goals:

Swimmers have a consistent focus on developing great technique and racing skills in all four strokes.

Swimmers strive to achieve team success as part of a relay

Swimmers are expected to attend all prescribed training, meets and camps.

NOTE: All decisions made on squad move ups are made by the swimmers current coach and the coach of the above squad. These decisions are based upon history in training and competition. Ultimately it is the coach who decides if the swimmer moves up to the next squad.